Orange is my absolute favorite color! I love Orange!! Today was my “Orange Crush” / ”Sunkist” type of day. I knew it was the last day at the office before my holiday, and had a fleeting suspicion it would cause a little drama at the office (which it did – but, whatever!), so, knowing how “cheery” orange is, I donned my fave color, head to toe, and proceeded, onward and forward, deliberatley.

I was stopped at Times Square subway station this evening by a fellow blogger www.nycsubwayshoes.com who asked to take a picture of my shoes……I was flattered, and of course, I obliged. I checked the blog as soon as I got home, and BAMM! There it was…………

While I’m on vacation, I plan to really ‘chill’ and relax, so I’ll only post when I get dressed. I’ll also use the down time to upgrade my page and connect with fellow bloggers and make this experience that much more interesting.

Ms. Aikasha is wearing an original Ms. Aikasha orange cotton pique sleeveless, hooded dress, Anne Klein orange wicker and patent leather mules, andTreesje black leather studded tote. Accessories include silver multi hoop drop earrings, large orange Lucite bangle, green/orange floral enamel bangle, and Swiss Legend white porcelain watch 

Tip: When wearing a really bright color: orange, pink, yellow, red, I like to "ground" it with black (or white) - usually the bag does the trick. The few times I'll go entirely all one colour is when wearing all neutral, all black, all navy, and of course, all white.

Tip II: since it was 'all about the dress' today, my jewelry tended towards "minimal" (at least by my standards) :)

Note: No...........these last three photos are not "booty shots". I'm showcasing the hood on the dress!

Note II: My favorite type sandals of all time are mules. They're fuss free, strap free, buckle free, you just slip them on or kick them off......need I say more??

I mentioned last week that this week, I would give the details of my holiday, which was supposed to begin today. Well, detail number 1: my holiday doesn’t begin today – I worked, and also have to work tomorrow. Detail number 2: What was supposed to be a four week break is trying to trickle down to just 10 to 14 days. Of course……….. I’m not happy. While I realize that “everything happens for a reason”, and “what was meant to be will be”, sometimes I just want to have my way – is that so terrible? Okay. So……….I’ll be grateful with whatever time I am actually off, and make the best of it – that’s the mature thing to do, right?? Btw – Happy Monday!!

Today, Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Rubber Ducky Productions cream cowl neck halter top, Thalian Xtract army green suede mini skirt, (Gwen Stefani's) L.A.M.B cream lace-up wedge sandals, and Gucci black suede bag. Large cream horn dangle earrings, brown/white/black bangles, and Roberto Cavalli brown alligator strap watch accessorize this outfit.

Tip: If you're anything like me and like to be a little "skimpy" with the clothes in the Summer, you can  off-set the skimpness, or more nicely put - balance the outfit with a big bag (example shown) or throw on a lightweight sheer scarf.

Note: I L.O.V.E these shoes. I know wedges are all the rage right now, but I find the current ones a bit "clunky" with the thick platform and thick heel. I got these wedges in 2008 and have been rocking them ever  since.

Sunday July 29^th, I got a call bright and early from my eldest daughter Z – she had a dream about church – so we went. We’re usually out of there in 1 - 1 ½ hours, but this time it lasted three hours......and it was absolutely amazing!! Long………but amazing J. After church, we went for breakfast, and then home to cook Sunday dinner. My second eldest daughter, Ny, contributed to dinner, and Z made dessert. There was a house full of people, and I wore myself out, but it was soooooo worth. I liked my outfit so decided to share it.

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Vera Wang racer-back cashmere tank with large silk Chinese symbol, Cotton brand mini leopard print mini skirt, Guiseppe Zanotti black sandals with large studded leather flower and Christian Dior “Rasta” saddle bag. Accessories included large red wooden rectangular earrings, neutral and black blend of bangles (isn’t the large bead beige/cream one awesome?) and Etro gold rimmed wayfarer shades.  

Note: I've been fortunate enough to work where I have no wardrobe limitations, and also worship with the same freedom.

Tip: Bare sandals require manicured (pedicured) feet.......please, Please, PLEASE - no chipped nail polish, "crusty" heels, jagged toe nails. Refinement must be a requirement. Don't be "that girl" (woman).



Why is it that after preaching  “………if you do something religiously for 3 weeks, it becomes a habit”, I turn around and break the cycle? I didn't post yesterday, and I felt like crap!! But let me tell you the back story………..I had my usual busy day at work: scheduling conference calls; planning a luncheon; apartment hunting for a client’s son; chaperoning my boss’s daughter's holiday shopping etc., etc. I’m also really trying to clear my desk so I can comfortably go on holiday for the next few weeks (more on that next week).

 When I finally left the office at almost 7pm, I text my crew on the home-front that I was on my way, and told them to watch the opening ceremony of the Olympics at 7:30pm – it’s a family tradition, plus this year’s Olympics is in my home town –London!! I got off the train and called my ‘photographer’ son to alert him to be ready for me. I got home about 7:45pm, and guess what? He couldn’t find the camera! “What?” “Mummy, you had it last!” I wasn't happy, but also,
I was a bit distracted watching the Olympics ceremony – which, by the way – was pretty damn awesome!! Intermittently I'd ask “….boyz, where’s the camera? I have to take my blog shots”. Before it knew it, it’s 11:30pm and I’m still fully dressed!! So, I’m still not happy and pretty exhausted – I go upstairs, get undressed, throw on a nightie, and go into the boy’s room. Lo and behold – the camera is sitting on the end table, where it’s kept. I was LIVID!! I STORMED downstairs and gave them an earful! Needless to say, I was way too upset to take pictures –they would have looked horrible, so this morning, I got up, cleaned house, showered, and put back on yesterday's outfit – in an attempt to redeem myself J.

Ms. Aikasha is wearing  a Carole Little neon green silk, sequin front halter top, Appraisal black cotton shorts (cuffs added to update), Coach blue/green faux snakeskin pumps, Coach wicker/leather/snakeskin limited edition “Bonnie” handbag. (by now I think you can tell that this Coach shoe/bag combo is my absolute favorite!) Charlotte Russe green/blue/gold-tone earrings,  Manhattan black/silvertone/rhinestone watch, and various width black bangles accessorized this ensemble.

Tip: As I mentioned a few weeks back - I essentially have total freedom with my wardrobe choices for the office. I understand not all work environments are as flexible as mine, so please be mindful of yours.
Tip II: Wearing a soft sheen or very sheer glisten/glitter on bare legs, does wonders camouflaging minor/slight imperfections (or compensating for the fact you or I, haven't been doing our lunges!).

So, (“so” – wrong way to start a sentence – but then again, this isn’t English Class) today was a bit intense. I went to bed at 1:30am last night, praying…….and woke up this morning praying. Why? Because my daughter had 7:00am surgery scheduled. I had to be there – plain and simple. I was exhausted, and ironically, but not surprisingly, it seemed my work blackberry was chiming all night with emails that “needed immediate attention”. That, however, was not my priority………………

5:45am I jumped up to my alarm (not sure a number should start a sentence either). I would’ve loved to just throw on some cozy yoga pants, flip-flops, and a hoodie, but, I knew when at the hospital and  I wanted questions answered about my daughter, professional attire would do the trick – and it worked! The staff was extremely helpful and accommodating.

For the record, the surgery went extremely well and my daughter is recovering beautifully.

 

Ms. Aikasha is wearing Motivi cream colored, cotton capri suit, Heart, Moon, Star tan lace insert tank, Enzo Anglioni brown patent leather sling back pumps and Dolce & Gabanna fabric with green leather handle/trim “banana” bag. Long copper shoulder dusters, a few wooden and brass bangles and Michael Kors tortoise shell watch complete the outfit

 

Tip:When wearing neutrals: beige, cream, tan, grey, etc., it's always nice to add a "pop" of color to break up the 'monotony' - this Dolce & Gabanna yellow "banana" handbag is a perfect example, but your "pop" could also either be the shoes, jewellry, scarf, etc.

Note: it was dark, overcast, and pouring this morning on my way out, and again tonight on my way home. I'd like to say it's because "I make it rain" :) ...............hence the indoor photos

 



Every woman should own a pair of white linen trousers – they just Scream summertime!! Don’t you think?? I owned a great pair some years back, which I absolutely loved, but they got stained, so they had to go!! Since then (2005), I’d been on a mission trying to find a pair with even the remotest resemblance. It’s not that they don’t exist, there are tons of them out there and believe me, I’ve tried on a “gazillion” but the fit is so important, and I’m not one for settling. Since I do design clothes one would think “just make a pair”, however, trousers is not my area of expertise and I really wasn’t in the mood to experiment.

Finally, last month, while shopping with my girls one Saturday morning at Annie Sez (designer outlet), I found a pair. Being a bit of a snob, I was a little reluctant to even try them, (they weren't 100% linen) but I did, and they fit -  so, of course, I bought them……….and I have absolutely no regrets. They're a bit loose fitting, wide legged, don't sit too high on the waist (a bit contemporary - which we mature women must embrace) and the rayon in this blend helps alleviate  the "hard core" wrinkling of pure linen - which is really nice.

Ms. Aikasha is wearing Rampage white linen blend trousers, One Step Up black, backless polo bodysuit, Louboutin black sueded pumps and Dolce & Gabanna fabric with green leather handle/trim “banana” bag. Accessories include Marc Jacob’s white oversized shades,  Swiss Legend white porcelain watch, pearl/gold shoulder dusters and necklace, and  a plethora of coordinating bangles.

Tip: Back to the underpinnings topic - not polka dot or tiger print panties under white trousers. even if the trousers are lined, colourful undies will "shine' through. If your fair skinned, wear beige / if you're dark skinned, wear black. The bodysuit worn today is a thong so there were no panty lines here!! 

Tip II: If you're anywhere near your "cycle" but feel absolutely  driven to wear white trousers, consider using a slim/light tampon to avoid any possible incident. 

So it’s said, “………if you do something religiously for 3 weeks, it becomes a habit” and is now essentially a part of you. Well, we humans are creatures of habit, and I’ve been blogging for the past 4 weeks so – need I say more?  I dove in head first, committed really fast (a questionable tendency of mine) and  boom!!                         Honestly though, it’s a bit therapeutic for me. I’ve always kept record of stuff; how much I spend on shoes; on my kids clothes; dining out; groceries; average monthly bills; rate my date; favorite outfit; productive day at work; etc., etc., etc. This blog is more or less an extension of that – only difference is that it’s shared. As outgoing and extroverted as I am, I’m still very private – so this is new for me. I’ve embarked upon this experience, guageing myself a little, unsure about where it's going, and I’m quite enjoying it!!

Ms. Aikasha is wearing Anna Paul multi-coloured sheer silk chiffon asymetrical babydoll top, Limited beige harem pants, Coach large gold leather tote, and Manolo Blahnik "BB" teal suede  pumps. Large wooden and metal multi-coloured bangles, gold tone chandelier earrings and Tom Ford gold tone/tortoise shell shades complete this easy, breezy, free flowing look.

Tip: Shades/sunglasses are essential - year round! And they look great. UV rays are damaging and our eyes are far too vulnerable and  important for us to neglect them. Take the time to find a pair (or two) of sunglasses that you really like and "rock them hard"!

Today’s forecast: 91 degrees, rain in the late afternoon/early evening. Well, it never quite made it to 91, but tapered off at around 82 degrees, which was nice. However, I wore the little white ensemble expecting it to be hot! And honestly, didn’t realize how “little” my skirt was until I looked at today’s pics. Oops!!  maybe a “little” bit short for the office?.......or not……J.

Ms. Aikasha is wearing Active Basic white scoop neck t-shirt, Edun white denim drop waist skirt with stiffened hem, Coach large gold tote, and white pointy ankle wrap shoes (designer unknown). Pearl earrings, Swiss Legend white porcelain watch, gold leather belt (which is actually the cross-body strap for my Gucci bag), Tom Ford gold/tortoise shell shades, and a mix of coordinating bangles tie the look together.

Tip: White is synonymous with summer so feel free to “go white” head to toe.........you can only look “Cool”!!



Brrrrrrrr! It was rainy, cloudy, and really chilly today! 65 degrees is not really represent-ative of summer weather, especially since we’ve been experiencing temperatures upwards of 96 degrees these last two weeks. So, I had to pull out the old raincoat and    brolly. My company participates in “dress down/casual Fridays”, so if I have no clients coming in, I’ll wear jeans. I rarely do though, but with the rain and all today, I decided to wear a pair.

Ms. Aikasha  is wear-ing   a Pop-ulation multi-colored rain coat, Sellar dark blue ultra-skinny jeans, Express five button vest, Enzo Angiolini brown patent leather slings and See by Chloe mustard yellow patent leather cross-body bag. Etro wayfarer gold tone/tortoise shell shades, pearl/gold shoulder duster earrings and necklace, and an assortment of earth tone bangles complete the look.

Tip: I LOVE patent leather shoes! They’re pretty, dressy and soooo functional because, Patent leather is water proof!! It holds its shape after getting wet, never gettting saturated! Since I’m no fan of the rubber goulashes, (which are fine for high school and college kids) I highly recommend patent leather shoes/boots for the rainy season.

Tip II: I recommend skinny jeans with a high percentage of spandex. Since tight jeans have been linked to all sorts of female feminine issues the spandex makes the denim less restricting, more breathable, and far more flattering as it doesn't "flatten" the derriere (think leggings, with more structure).

…………..you know, it’s really interesting how we humans are – we’re such an unique, fascinating group. All the different colours, shades, heights, weights, tendencies, personalities, and we’re all co-existing in this particular space and time, right here, right now – together!

As I’m walking through Grand Central Station each morning, it always amazes me the way we maneuver through the crowds, adjusting our steps, reading each other’s body language, slipping between the people walking diagonally,  perpendicular, and directly towards us, almost intertwined, yet, completely avoiding contact. In contrast to the volumes of people embarking upon GCS each day, how rare is the occurrence of tripping over someone’s luggage, or spilling someone’s coffee? Quite!!

There must be a study somewhere………..

Ms. Aikasha is wearing, yet, another Ms. Aikasha original peach rayon “circle” (or swing) dress with subtle brown lace accent at the hem; Sam Edleman brown alligator stamped leather/green argyle pony hair mules (or slides) and large Coach wicker/green leather/snakeskin limited edition “Bonnie” bag. Accessories include brown wooden disc earrings; large brown/white acrylic cuff; tan beaded necklace (I forget what kind of stone), and Michael Kors tortoise shell watch.



Tip: The "swing/circle" dress is both fun and elegant, and the perfect dress to disguise those unwanted pounds. However, beware of the gust of wind or the grid above the subjway, you'll be going "Marilyn" in a heartbeat!!

Note: this is one of my most favorite dresses. I wore it through two pregnancies (the boys are now 16 and 13), and every summer since, so it's definitely passed the test of time.

As I was waiting for the train this morning, one of my fellow NJ Transit riders said “…..where’s the party tonight?” We both laughed………….the “little black dress” always evokes that question!”

After a busy day at work, I met up with my boss’s wife and kids and two cousins for dinner at TAMARIND, a great Indian restaurant in the Gramercy area of NYC (hence the “little black dress”). We have a really great relationship and I haven’t seen them in a while, so it was a really nice time. Its NYC’s “Restaurant Week” promotion time and I feared the service would’ve been a bit compromised – but we were fortunate and everything went nice and smooth.

Ms. Aikasha is wearing Altro’s rayon blend “little black dress”, Kate Spade gold leather ankle wrap sandals, and Coach wicker/leather/snakeskin limited edition “Bonnie” handbag. Large gold mesh hoop earrings, an armful of gold tone bangles and Roberto Cavalli silver tone and brown alligator strap watch complete this ensemble.

 Tip: when going from day to evening, dust a little body glitter on your shouldlers, arms, and chest for that touch of glamour.

Tip II: This "lbd" is a bit understated and therefore more office friendly. If your "lbd" is a bit more "over the top", just tone it down with a blazer or cardigan that's easily removed later for your fun night out.

Note: tonights back drop is a bit drab, but I knew I'd be home really late, so before I left work, I grabbed one of my co-workers asked them to take the pic - in the office hall!

So, I’m really feeling the maxi dress/maxi skirt thing right now. Really, it just feels so right! I’ve been rocking it the past three work days (ref last Fri, this Mon & Tue) and I’m not bored yet – that really says something!! I stepped off the elevator this afternoon and an Asian woman commented on my dress, firstly liking it then secondly asking if it’s even comfortable wearing a maxi dress in this kind of heat.

She continued that she's never worn a long dress before, comparing them to slacks and thinking the dress would be hot – can you believe that? I told her she’s totally mistaken, she should try it, she’d like it.

Today, Ms. Aikasha is wearing another original Ms. Aikasha piece – a long red 100% linen biased cut, hooded maxi dress,  Luca Stefani studded, black patent leather,kitten heeled thong mules, and Roberto Mengoni large red foil leather tote. Accessories are comprised of Swiss Legend white porcelain watch; Prada black sunglasses; black, red, and clear Lucite bangles; and small red spherical porcelain earrings.

Note: Have you noticed how I DON’T list shoes and bags as accessories? That’s because (in my book) they are simply part of the wardrobe – as important as the clothes, they complete the outfit.

Tip: If it’s Ever appropriate to go without wearing panties (ssshhh! - whispering) – it’s when you’re wearing a maxi dress/maxi skirt....... it can be quite liberating...........and ventilating!!

Well, hello there!

I’m back after an extremely productive, yet restful weekend and I must say I feel pretty darn good! I hired a handy man to clean my overly cluttered and disorganized basement. What he did in three hours, would have taken me at least three weeks (therefore, it would have never happened!) Initially, I did a walk through with him and explained essentially what I needed done, and he made a few suggestions I never dreamed of, they and made total sense. Honestly, since then, it’s as if a load has been lifted – a load I was unconsciously carrying..............I’m stepping a lot lighter now............

It’s hot, but I’m not complaining because, I simply adore the summertime. The sunshine, long clear days, trips to the beach, late night strolls, PLUS, my feeling that people’s my attitudes are so much better, makes the summer my absolute favorite season. Also, I get to wear my cute sandals, and pretty sundresses – what else can a girl (woman) ask for?

Ms. Aikasha is wearing another original Ms. Aikasha cream muslin, bias cut/seamed, double layer maxi skirt, black knit MadRag tube top, Beverly Feldman red jeweled kitten heel thongs, and Roberto Mengonil arge red foil leather tote. Accessories include a unique Cleopatra inspired red/gold seed bead necklace, large wooden red rectangular earrings, assorted glass, beaded and acrylic bangles, white porcelain Swiss Legend watch, and black Gucci shades.

Tip: the most simpliest of outfuts can look elegant. It all depands on how you accessorize.............the simplier the outfit, the more sophisticated the accessories.